ok, so i don't actually have any neighbors at the moment, so let me take you back 26 years ...
i lived at the house on walter (my dad's childhood home) until i was 4. our neighbor's on our right were the Kelner's. fred was like my first best friend. i cannot remember how old he was, probably around my grandfather's age. fred was the only person in my entire life to ever call me lizzie. one day, when i was about 3 i think, my parents woke up and could not find me anywhere! they were frantic and once they noticed the side door was open they moved on to hysterical. they walked next door to fred's ... and there was little lizzie eating breakfast. :) yea, i can't remember, but i'm willing to bet i got yelled at for that one.
11.30.2009
11.29.2009
your three favourite words & why
hmm, this one is tricky because you could ask me this question for a week straight and get a different answer each day. so, i'll just see what comes to mind at the moment (and i'll keep it rated G) ...
happiness: whenever anyone asks me "what do you want?" - my basic answer has always been that i just want to be happy. i don't know how to go about attaining happiness, but it's my ultimate goal.
seriously: it has meaning in the world of the rockstars. so many emotions are conveyed by one simple word.
pizza: basically just because i have a taste for it at the moment.
happiness: whenever anyone asks me "what do you want?" - my basic answer has always been that i just want to be happy. i don't know how to go about attaining happiness, but it's my ultimate goal.
seriously: it has meaning in the world of the rockstars. so many emotions are conveyed by one simple word.
pizza: basically just because i have a taste for it at the moment.
11.28.2009
immunity vs.immortality
easy.
immunity.
i have no desire to live forever. i just don't see the point of it. now, knowing that i'd never get sick - that i'd love. it would make the whole not having health insurance thing a lot easier to handle.
immunity.
i have no desire to live forever. i just don't see the point of it. now, knowing that i'd never get sick - that i'd love. it would make the whole not having health insurance thing a lot easier to handle.
11.27.2009
name the person who influenced you the most growing up & why
i'm not sure that i could name just one person - my entire family greatly influenced me.
obviously, my parents influenced me. that's the easy answer. so, i'll pick a few others ...
grandpa bill - when i was growing up, everyone went over to my grandpa's house every sunday afternoon. he put a lot of emphasis on family, telling us not to take each other for granted. people will come in and out of your life, but family will always be there. some of us listened better than others. we still toast him everytime the family gets together now - with wine of course. he'd be proud.
grandpa fred - he was the first person who told me that my future was in art. i thought he was crazy. he passed away before i switched my major to graphic design.
grandma betty (elizabeth) - it's strange to be influenced by someone you never met. having been named after her, i always felt some sort of connection to her. she was killed when my mom was 14, 7 years before i was born. i've always felt like i had this responsibility, i had her name ... i needed to be proud of that. honor her however i could. i remember back in high school, i was coming from from a party with my friends and we got into a car accident. no one was hurt, but the car was totalled. the officer said another foot and all of us could have been seriously hurt. the next day, my mom told me that my accident the night before was on the anniversary of the accident that killed my grandmother and my mom's little brother. i still get chills when i think about it.
ingrid - after the accident, my grandpa bill got remarried. there is no one in the world like ingrid. the strength and love this woman possesses is incalculable. in my entire like, i think i've seen her mad twice. she is the sweetest person i've ever had the honor of knowing. she's the rock. just don't swear around the rock :)
lisa (cousin) - not all influences are good. she apparently wasn't listening when our grandpa stressed the importance of family.
obviously, my parents influenced me. that's the easy answer. so, i'll pick a few others ...
grandpa bill - when i was growing up, everyone went over to my grandpa's house every sunday afternoon. he put a lot of emphasis on family, telling us not to take each other for granted. people will come in and out of your life, but family will always be there. some of us listened better than others. we still toast him everytime the family gets together now - with wine of course. he'd be proud.
grandpa fred - he was the first person who told me that my future was in art. i thought he was crazy. he passed away before i switched my major to graphic design.
grandma betty (elizabeth) - it's strange to be influenced by someone you never met. having been named after her, i always felt some sort of connection to her. she was killed when my mom was 14, 7 years before i was born. i've always felt like i had this responsibility, i had her name ... i needed to be proud of that. honor her however i could. i remember back in high school, i was coming from from a party with my friends and we got into a car accident. no one was hurt, but the car was totalled. the officer said another foot and all of us could have been seriously hurt. the next day, my mom told me that my accident the night before was on the anniversary of the accident that killed my grandmother and my mom's little brother. i still get chills when i think about it.
ingrid - after the accident, my grandpa bill got remarried. there is no one in the world like ingrid. the strength and love this woman possesses is incalculable. in my entire like, i think i've seen her mad twice. she is the sweetest person i've ever had the honor of knowing. she's the rock. just don't swear around the rock :)
lisa (cousin) - not all influences are good. she apparently wasn't listening when our grandpa stressed the importance of family.
11.26.2009
gratitude
I'm thankful for ...
my truly amazing family.
i wish i had half the strength that each of them seem to possess.
my equally amazing friends.
being friends with me isn't always the easiest thing in the world and i know i've been annoying as hell lately, i am beyond grateful that no one has given up on me yet.
luke.
sometimes, just holding that little orange fur ball helps make me feel better. even if i know i only have about 15 seconds before he tries to bite me.
my cell phone's off button.
it helps in keeping those amazing friends. i can't bother them if i have my cell phone turned off.
music.
whether it's making you dance, helping you cope, bringing a smile to your face, helping you remember or helping you forget, taking you away, keeping you together, making you laugh or drowning out your tears, music helps.
oxygen.
self-explanatory.
my truly amazing family.
i wish i had half the strength that each of them seem to possess.
my equally amazing friends.
being friends with me isn't always the easiest thing in the world and i know i've been annoying as hell lately, i am beyond grateful that no one has given up on me yet.
luke.
sometimes, just holding that little orange fur ball helps make me feel better. even if i know i only have about 15 seconds before he tries to bite me.
my cell phone's off button.
it helps in keeping those amazing friends. i can't bother them if i have my cell phone turned off.
music.
whether it's making you dance, helping you cope, bringing a smile to your face, helping you remember or helping you forget, taking you away, keeping you together, making you laugh or drowning out your tears, music helps.
oxygen.
self-explanatory.
11.25.2009
who would portray each of us in a movie?
i know ... this was my topic, so you'd think i'd have a fabulous list.
yea, not so much.
i've decided that if we were to make NaBloPoMo: the movie it would have to be a stop-motion animated feature. directed by tim burton, of course. we would all do our own voices since we best know what the meaning behind our words are.
fade to black. end scene.
yea, not so much.
i've decided that if we were to make NaBloPoMo: the movie it would have to be a stop-motion animated feature. directed by tim burton, of course. we would all do our own voices since we best know what the meaning behind our words are.
fade to black. end scene.
11.24.2009
favorite authors
if you scroll down you will see that i don't read all that much, so i don't really have a favorite author. although, i do enjoy J.K Rowling, Stephenie Meyer and Stephen King. then of course, i have much love for my boy Mikey and his brilliant imaginative mind.
11.23.2009
panic
alright, i admit it. i do suffer from panic attacks. i haven't always gotten them, i'd say it started about 10 years ago. it's a little scary because i never know when one will hit. most seem to center around being alone, though. for example, going to a store by myself. i can't even count how many times i've gotten as far as the parking lot and couldn't even get out of my car. it's such a horrible feeling - can't catch my breath, start getting really hot and then feeling like i'm going to pass out. sometimes i even start shaking and it's easy to swear it's from the force of my heartbeat since it seems determined to burst out of my chest. it's like an overwhelming fear takes over and i have no clue where it comes from. i haven't had one in awhile, probably because i try my best to avoid going places alone. shopping's more fun with company anyway.
11.22.2009
what are you most passionate about at this time in your life, and why?
that is a very good question ... i just wish i had an answer.
musically, my passion is currently jason mraz. although ... that's nothing new. he's an incredible songwriter with an amazing voice. his words have been helping a lot lately ... thanks mc raz!
other than that, i really haven't been very passionate about anything lately. i know what's been holding me back and i'm trying to work through it. when my passion returns, i'll post about it.
musically, my passion is currently jason mraz. although ... that's nothing new. he's an incredible songwriter with an amazing voice. his words have been helping a lot lately ... thanks mc raz!
other than that, i really haven't been very passionate about anything lately. i know what's been holding me back and i'm trying to work through it. when my passion returns, i'll post about it.
11.21.2009
if i had a ...
time machine - as tempting as it would be to change certain things that happened in the past, i'm not sure that i would. you do learn from everything - no matter how painful the lessons may be. if anything, i might alter the way i reacted to some situations. maybe that way i would have so many scars to deal with now. besides, i have a horrible memory. so it would be nice to be able to revisit a time and place that you might not be able to remember all that well. on a much less personal note, there's the fact that i love history. it would be amazing to get to visit different eras and experience first hand the various cultures and events you grew up reading about. to go back to the time of the ancient Roman Empire or watch the Egyptians build the pyramids. try to catch Jack the Ripper or visit the wild wild west. to shake hands with Amelia Earhart or to stand on the dock as the Titanic set sail.
now, as for something more realistic ...
screw it, i want a time machine!
now, as for something more realistic ...
screw it, i want a time machine!
11.20.2009
your favorite book (as a child or adult) and why
as a child some of my favorite books were:
one fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish: endless entertainment right there!
rebecca of sunnybrook farm: i don't remember this book, but i'm guessing it involved a wee tot and some animals.
but those books were read TO me. when it came to actually reading a book myself, that's a completely different story. ha! not funny, moving on ...
i've never been a big reader. i have a lot of trouble concentrating. so unless the story really manages to capture my interest, there's no hope of finishing it. i'll just end up re-reading the same sentence for a half an hour.
i have to admit, i was assigned many books to read in high school. however, i only actually got through one of them. the catcher in the rye. i absolutely loved that book. i haven't read it in years though, so i don't remember much about it.
currently, i have to say that my favorite book is harry potter and the deathly hallows. the entire potter series is fantastic. i finished the first two books in one day. (let me draw your attention back up to paragraph four ... see, that is a huge deal for me.)
i am also a huge fan of books about hauntings. they are the only books i've always been able to read. i can't even count how many books on ghosts i have in my possession. this really isn't that surprising considering i am the girl who's favorite movie as a child was poltergeist.
one fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish: endless entertainment right there!
rebecca of sunnybrook farm: i don't remember this book, but i'm guessing it involved a wee tot and some animals.
but those books were read TO me. when it came to actually reading a book myself, that's a completely different story. ha! not funny, moving on ...
i've never been a big reader. i have a lot of trouble concentrating. so unless the story really manages to capture my interest, there's no hope of finishing it. i'll just end up re-reading the same sentence for a half an hour.
i have to admit, i was assigned many books to read in high school. however, i only actually got through one of them. the catcher in the rye. i absolutely loved that book. i haven't read it in years though, so i don't remember much about it.
currently, i have to say that my favorite book is harry potter and the deathly hallows. the entire potter series is fantastic. i finished the first two books in one day. (let me draw your attention back up to paragraph four ... see, that is a huge deal for me.)
i am also a huge fan of books about hauntings. they are the only books i've always been able to read. i can't even count how many books on ghosts i have in my possession. this really isn't that surprising considering i am the girl who's favorite movie as a child was poltergeist.
11.19.2009
Grammar Police - an idea whose time has finally come?
sure, why not? it does bug me when people misuse words (they're, their, there - yada yada). however, i have been guilty of doing so when not fully paying attention.
so, yes, i think the grammar police is a fabulous idea.
you'll bail me out, right?
so, yes, i think the grammar police is a fabulous idea.
you'll bail me out, right?
11.18.2009
which would you rather get first - your peg leg or your hook?
hmm ... tricky.
i think i'd have to go with the peg leg. although, i would like to request that neither 'becca nor jonathan hack off my leg ... their way of doing so sounded painfully messy. knock me out please - i can't see the blood.
i think i'd have to go with the peg leg. although, i would like to request that neither 'becca nor jonathan hack off my leg ... their way of doing so sounded painfully messy. knock me out please - i can't see the blood.
11.17.2009
the present
presently i am ...
... typing.
... listening to "The Middle" repeatedly hoping it sinks in.
... working on a logo for a friend's company.
... staring at the treadmill, wishing that was enough.
... wondering if my phone has stopped working or if my friends have just forgotten about me.
... drinking water.
... half-hazardly watching the Bulls game.
... hoping to make lunch plans with Pammie soon.
... wondering what's next.
... hoping Sue's surgery goes well tomorrow.
... thinking.
... practicing the "smile and nod" method.
... praying the Blackhawks don't trade Brent Seabrook or Adam Burish.
... kind of wanting to see a psychic.
... dreading having to clean the entire house tomorrow.
... over-analyzing.
... wishing i had made more of that cajun chicken. that was good.
... trying to figure out if i'd want my peg leg or hook first.
... wondering why people say "i won't judge you" when it's obvious that's exactly what they are doing.
... wondering what i did to my knee.
... excited that New Moon comes out this week.
... running out of things to say.
... thinking i should stop typing.
... preparing to hit the bright orange "publish post button."
... typing.
... listening to "The Middle" repeatedly hoping it sinks in.
... working on a logo for a friend's company.
... staring at the treadmill, wishing that was enough.
... wondering if my phone has stopped working or if my friends have just forgotten about me.
... drinking water.
... half-hazardly watching the Bulls game.
... hoping to make lunch plans with Pammie soon.
... wondering what's next.
... hoping Sue's surgery goes well tomorrow.
... thinking.
... practicing the "smile and nod" method.
... praying the Blackhawks don't trade Brent Seabrook or Adam Burish.
... kind of wanting to see a psychic.
... dreading having to clean the entire house tomorrow.
... over-analyzing.
... wishing i had made more of that cajun chicken. that was good.
... trying to figure out if i'd want my peg leg or hook first.
... wondering why people say "i won't judge you" when it's obvious that's exactly what they are doing.
... wondering what i did to my knee.
... excited that New Moon comes out this week.
... running out of things to say.
... thinking i should stop typing.
... preparing to hit the bright orange "publish post button."
11.16.2009
11.15.2009
what hair color would you really want?
hmm, in the past 10 years my hair has been dyed blonde, red and black. everyone really liked the blonde, but it started to get way to blonde and i was getting sick of the upkeep. i liked the way the red looked, but it washed out real quick - even though it was suppose to be permanent. and the black - yea, i'm just way too casper-rific for that color.
i would love to be able to dye my hair black and add some streaks of red or even pink. i think that would look absolutely fabulous ... just maybe not on me.
i would love to be able to dye my hair black and add some streaks of red or even pink. i think that would look absolutely fabulous ... just maybe not on me.
11.14.2009
11.13.2009
a cause(s) close to your heart
organ donation.
to write love on her arms.
MADD. (yep, fully aware i'm not a mother)
ocean conservatory.
to write love on her arms.
MADD. (yep, fully aware i'm not a mother)
ocean conservatory.
11.12.2009
how has your life as an adult turned out differently than what you had anticipated in high school?
wow. my life is completely different than i thought it would be.
i started college as a biology major. i was planning on getting my core classes done at Purdue and then transferring somewhere in either florida or california where i could get my degree in marine biology/oceanography. my goal was to work with dolphins.
then life happened. i ended up working at a craptactular "newspaper" run by my cousins fiance. what had started out as a part-time job as a writer turned into a more than full-time position as the editor-in-chief/whipping-post overnight. i had no experience other than being on the newspaper and yearbook staffs in high school - and suddenly i had to find a way to put out a paper (with 9 different zones) each week, with absolutely no help. i was the only writer, ad designer, proofreader, photographer, layout designer - you name it, i had to do it. and this was back when you had to glue the layout together and then take it to the printer (also, my job.) did i mention i was also a full time college student? 5 classes plus biology labs. having a boss that never graduated high school - he didn't have much tolerance for anything "school-related" and if i happened to bring it up, he somehow found more work for me to do. it took me a month to get him to agree to hire my friend to help me. no longer having to write the stories helped some, but not enough. by the time i found it in me to leave that job, whatever confidence i had was shattered. i was pretty much broken and had no clue what i wanted anymore. i had failed advanced chemistry and decided that biology wasn't the right path for me.
i took the next semester to take a sampling of classes, trying to figure out the right fit. i thought about switching my major to history, but my inability to remember dates made me rethink that. i also considered english and journalism - but never thought i was a good enough writer to succeed. then i heard about this new program - graphic design. i've always been considered the artistic, creative one in my family. my whole life i've had both my grandfathers tell me i should go into art when i grew up. so i decided i'd take a couple of classes and see if i liked it. more importantly, to see if i was any good at it. i was basically walking head first into the same area that i had been told, repeatedly on a daily basis, that i was horrible at. even when you know someone is saying these incredibly hurtful things to you just because they can get away with it, it still leaves scars. and i was full of them. so to make that decision to go into graphic design ... i still don't know how i did that. but i'm glad i did.
i also thought that i would definitely be married with kids by now. being almost 30 and single is just unheard of in my family. meh.
so, my life is drastically different than what i had anticipated in high school. life is funny that way. and what did i know back then anyway? i was in high school!
i started college as a biology major. i was planning on getting my core classes done at Purdue and then transferring somewhere in either florida or california where i could get my degree in marine biology/oceanography. my goal was to work with dolphins.
then life happened. i ended up working at a craptactular "newspaper" run by my cousins fiance. what had started out as a part-time job as a writer turned into a more than full-time position as the editor-in-chief/whipping-post overnight. i had no experience other than being on the newspaper and yearbook staffs in high school - and suddenly i had to find a way to put out a paper (with 9 different zones) each week, with absolutely no help. i was the only writer, ad designer, proofreader, photographer, layout designer - you name it, i had to do it. and this was back when you had to glue the layout together and then take it to the printer (also, my job.) did i mention i was also a full time college student? 5 classes plus biology labs. having a boss that never graduated high school - he didn't have much tolerance for anything "school-related" and if i happened to bring it up, he somehow found more work for me to do. it took me a month to get him to agree to hire my friend to help me. no longer having to write the stories helped some, but not enough. by the time i found it in me to leave that job, whatever confidence i had was shattered. i was pretty much broken and had no clue what i wanted anymore. i had failed advanced chemistry and decided that biology wasn't the right path for me.
i took the next semester to take a sampling of classes, trying to figure out the right fit. i thought about switching my major to history, but my inability to remember dates made me rethink that. i also considered english and journalism - but never thought i was a good enough writer to succeed. then i heard about this new program - graphic design. i've always been considered the artistic, creative one in my family. my whole life i've had both my grandfathers tell me i should go into art when i grew up. so i decided i'd take a couple of classes and see if i liked it. more importantly, to see if i was any good at it. i was basically walking head first into the same area that i had been told, repeatedly on a daily basis, that i was horrible at. even when you know someone is saying these incredibly hurtful things to you just because they can get away with it, it still leaves scars. and i was full of them. so to make that decision to go into graphic design ... i still don't know how i did that. but i'm glad i did.
i also thought that i would definitely be married with kids by now. being almost 30 and single is just unheard of in my family. meh.
so, my life is drastically different than what i had anticipated in high school. life is funny that way. and what did i know back then anyway? i was in high school!
11.11.2009
the most interesting thing that happened to me today ...
i'd have to say that it was going to dinner at moe's - in west lafayette. i kind of had a taste for pizza, but i know better then to stand between 'becca and her moe's.
besides, it beats seeing clint in his underwear.
besides, it beats seeing clint in his underwear.
11.10.2009
the soundtrack of my life
music has always been a major part of my life. so, it was only natural that one of my topics would involve music. :) i said 7 songs ... there is no way i could only pick 7 songs.
now, if i was to make a soundtrack for my life, it would include (in no particular order ...)
Thriller - Michael Jackson: i think i was 3 when this video came out. the first time i ever saw it, i watched it from behind the couch. after that i was fascinated with it.
The Middle - Jimmy Eat World: besides being my favorite song to sing off rockband/guitar hero, it's just an amazing song. i'm a lyrics girl - and these have always hit close to home for me.
Livin' on a Prayer - Bon Jovi: i can't even tell you how many times this song has been stuck in my head. plus, i've seen them in concert a few times and they are amazing.
Everything - Lifehouse: this is one of the most beautiful songs i've ever heard by one of the sweetest bands i've ever met. if i ever get married, this is going to be my wedding song. don't steal it.
Mexico - Incubus: i've always been someone who loved going to concerts. back in college, i got into the incubus show at the riv (one of the best venues in chicago) for free and ended up with passes to the after party. while meeting the band was definitely the highlight of the night, this song is a stand out from the actual concert. i can picture it perfectly every time i hear the song.
Halfway Home - Jason Mraz: picking just one of jason's songs is nearly impossible. his voice is just perfection. he is one of my favorites to see in concert. his shows are amazing and he is hilarious. meeting him was incredible (equally incredible, the hug he gave me. fabulous hugger:)
Gavin's Song - Marc Broussard: this song always makes me cry. it reminds me of my uncle hal. it sounds like something he'd have said to his kids (who were 10, 12 & 14 when he died).
Open Arms - Journey: for as long as i can remember, i've been addicted to this song. hence my email address. :) journey has always been one of my mom's favorite bands, so i've inherited that love. now, if i could just convince steve perry to come back ...
I See You - Mika: a new entry. this song's lyrics ring so true right now, it hurts. a lot.
In Loving Memory - Alter Bridge: in the christmas video, this was the song i used in the segment about all of our loved ones that had passed. it fit perfectly. my favorite line - "and even though you're gone, you still mean the world to me ..." chills, everytime.
Seize the Day - Avenged Sevenfold: because adding "a little piece of heaven" might just scare people.
The Ghost of You - My Chemical Romance: they are one of my favorite bands, so i had to include a song from them. besides loving the song, this video is incredible.
Let It Be - The Beatles: needs no explanation. it's the beatles!
You Got - Melee: it's just fun.
Burn Out Brighter (Northern Lights) - Anberlin: great song. fabulous message.
Bye Bye Bye - *NSync: this was high school/college for me. i remember my friend and i trying to learn this dance on her front porch ... i am NOT a dancer. and many a passerby bore witness to that fact. i probably saw them in concert ... i don't know, 30 times ... at least.
Step by Step - NKOTB: my first concert. ahh, joey ....
Never Gone - Backstreet Boys: i used this song in the ending credits of the christmas video. (yes, it had credits.) i had made a last minute edit, dedicating the video to hal. that dedication came up just as the last line was sung, "never gone. never far. in my heart is where you are."
Someday We'll Know - New Radicals: i've always loved this song. it really makes you think.
"did the captain of the titanic cry?"
The Masterplan - Oasis: oasis was high school for me. it's hard to pick just one song, but this was always one of my favorites. "acquiesce" was a close runner up.
Gravity - Sara Bareilles: because sometimes you are drawn to the things you aren't allowed to be drawn to.
Neighbors - The Academy Is... : this one always makes me smile. you can't help but sing along.
Summer Breeze - Seals and Croft: reminds me of the island. sitting on the beach staring out at the lake.
Untitled - Simple Plan: this is one of the most powerful videos i've ever seen. maybe it's because it's about something that's happened to my family. i cried the first time i saw it. i already loved the song, the video made me respect the band.
The Fantasy - 30 Seconds to Mars: this band will forever remind me of the road trip to colorado 'becca and i took this past summer.
Through Glass - Stone Sour: i fell in love with this song the first time i heard it.
Your Guardian Angel - Red Jumpsuit Apparatus: it's a powerful song, gave me chills the first time i heard it.
Boom Boom Pow - Black Eyed Peas: because i need a track for the club kids. :)
***********
I could seriously go on forever ... this is going to need to be a 2-disc set. the special edition will include a dvd with all the videos.
now, if i was to make a soundtrack for my life, it would include (in no particular order ...)
Thriller - Michael Jackson: i think i was 3 when this video came out. the first time i ever saw it, i watched it from behind the couch. after that i was fascinated with it.
The Middle - Jimmy Eat World: besides being my favorite song to sing off rockband/guitar hero, it's just an amazing song. i'm a lyrics girl - and these have always hit close to home for me.
Livin' on a Prayer - Bon Jovi: i can't even tell you how many times this song has been stuck in my head. plus, i've seen them in concert a few times and they are amazing.
Everything - Lifehouse: this is one of the most beautiful songs i've ever heard by one of the sweetest bands i've ever met. if i ever get married, this is going to be my wedding song. don't steal it.
Mexico - Incubus: i've always been someone who loved going to concerts. back in college, i got into the incubus show at the riv (one of the best venues in chicago) for free and ended up with passes to the after party. while meeting the band was definitely the highlight of the night, this song is a stand out from the actual concert. i can picture it perfectly every time i hear the song.
Halfway Home - Jason Mraz: picking just one of jason's songs is nearly impossible. his voice is just perfection. he is one of my favorites to see in concert. his shows are amazing and he is hilarious. meeting him was incredible (equally incredible, the hug he gave me. fabulous hugger:)
Gavin's Song - Marc Broussard: this song always makes me cry. it reminds me of my uncle hal. it sounds like something he'd have said to his kids (who were 10, 12 & 14 when he died).
Open Arms - Journey: for as long as i can remember, i've been addicted to this song. hence my email address. :) journey has always been one of my mom's favorite bands, so i've inherited that love. now, if i could just convince steve perry to come back ...
I See You - Mika: a new entry. this song's lyrics ring so true right now, it hurts. a lot.
In Loving Memory - Alter Bridge: in the christmas video, this was the song i used in the segment about all of our loved ones that had passed. it fit perfectly. my favorite line - "and even though you're gone, you still mean the world to me ..." chills, everytime.
Seize the Day - Avenged Sevenfold: because adding "a little piece of heaven" might just scare people.
The Ghost of You - My Chemical Romance: they are one of my favorite bands, so i had to include a song from them. besides loving the song, this video is incredible.
Let It Be - The Beatles: needs no explanation. it's the beatles!
You Got - Melee: it's just fun.
Burn Out Brighter (Northern Lights) - Anberlin: great song. fabulous message.
Bye Bye Bye - *NSync: this was high school/college for me. i remember my friend and i trying to learn this dance on her front porch ... i am NOT a dancer. and many a passerby bore witness to that fact. i probably saw them in concert ... i don't know, 30 times ... at least.
Step by Step - NKOTB: my first concert. ahh, joey ....
Never Gone - Backstreet Boys: i used this song in the ending credits of the christmas video. (yes, it had credits.) i had made a last minute edit, dedicating the video to hal. that dedication came up just as the last line was sung, "never gone. never far. in my heart is where you are."
Someday We'll Know - New Radicals: i've always loved this song. it really makes you think.
"did the captain of the titanic cry?"
The Masterplan - Oasis: oasis was high school for me. it's hard to pick just one song, but this was always one of my favorites. "acquiesce" was a close runner up.
Gravity - Sara Bareilles: because sometimes you are drawn to the things you aren't allowed to be drawn to.
Neighbors - The Academy Is... : this one always makes me smile. you can't help but sing along.
Summer Breeze - Seals and Croft: reminds me of the island. sitting on the beach staring out at the lake.
Untitled - Simple Plan: this is one of the most powerful videos i've ever seen. maybe it's because it's about something that's happened to my family. i cried the first time i saw it. i already loved the song, the video made me respect the band.
The Fantasy - 30 Seconds to Mars: this band will forever remind me of the road trip to colorado 'becca and i took this past summer.
Through Glass - Stone Sour: i fell in love with this song the first time i heard it.
Your Guardian Angel - Red Jumpsuit Apparatus: it's a powerful song, gave me chills the first time i heard it.
Boom Boom Pow - Black Eyed Peas: because i need a track for the club kids. :)
***********
I could seriously go on forever ... this is going to need to be a 2-disc set. the special edition will include a dvd with all the videos.
11.09.2009
past
i rewrote this post about 3 times, each time deciding it was divulging more than i was comfortable with. my past is a sore subject. not all of it, obviously, but to sit down and write about it - i tend to gravitate towards the harder times, looking for a therapeutic outlet.
anyway, i decided not to depress people and instead post some pictures.
i finally defeated that blasted yellow bear!
my cheerleading career came to an abrupt end due to a horrific pom-pom accident.
at least i look innocent ... right?
i'll upload a few more once i figure out how to work my new scanner. :)
11.08.2009
conspiracy theory
i'm beginning to think that my mind has a conspiracy against me. i'll think of something - it may be an answer to a question, a joke, a lyric to a song, title of a movie or simply just a word - but when i actually go to say said something ... GONE! drives me crazy.
do you have any idea how many times i've said "this has to be a conspiracy?" many. yet now - nothing comes to mind. it's very grr-inducing.
i mean, seriously now, i'm a cubs fan - i should have a list, right? damn goat.
do you have any idea how many times i've said "this has to be a conspiracy?" many. yet now - nothing comes to mind. it's very grr-inducing.
i mean, seriously now, i'm a cubs fan - i should have a list, right? damn goat.
11.07.2009
11.06.2009
health care & heath bars (any connection?)
yes ...
... but you'll never learn anything if i provide you with the answers. don't take the easy way out, do some research! i suggest seeking out the fabulously well informed dr. michael rigg. try the golf course on saturday, i got a tip he may be there. bringing a heath bar for him might help get him talking. just don't let him find out you are related to nurse crayle.
... but you'll never learn anything if i provide you with the answers. don't take the easy way out, do some research! i suggest seeking out the fabulously well informed dr. michael rigg. try the golf course on saturday, i got a tip he may be there. bringing a heath bar for him might help get him talking. just don't let him find out you are related to nurse crayle.
11.05.2009
if i could have one gadget named after me, it would be ...
... a gadget that could scan any item on a menu, providing you with a list of all the ingredients and the recipe - complete with pictures and tutorials.
might not sound exciting, but i do love to cook. i've tried to make a few Olive Garden dishes and while they do come out quite tasty, they never taste exactly like the restaurant version. boo. so i just keep adding garlic ... it's the italian thing to do ;) we do love garlic.
anyway ... my brain closed up shop early, so i don't have a cool name for this gadget. although i'm open to suggestions.
might not sound exciting, but i do love to cook. i've tried to make a few Olive Garden dishes and while they do come out quite tasty, they never taste exactly like the restaurant version. boo. so i just keep adding garlic ... it's the italian thing to do ;) we do love garlic.
anyway ... my brain closed up shop early, so i don't have a cool name for this gadget. although i'm open to suggestions.
11.04.2009
frenemies
i do actually have a few people in my life that i would classify as a "frenemy." i've always been the type of person that if you are my friend, you are always my friend. i have been hurt and betrayed by a few people in the past and i always seem to forgive them. that's just how i am. i always try to see the good in people. even when i've witnessed, first hand, the not-so-good side of them. however, once my trust is broken, it is not easily regained. there are some people that have repeatedly hurt me and while i'll still talk to them, i'm very leery of their motives and aren't going to make the mistake of trusting them again. but i can't just write them off ... i'm just not capable of that. i never want someone to feel alone. i want them to know that if they ever really do need a friend, i will always be there. if that means putting myself in danger of getting hurt again, so be it. i have plenty of shoulders to cry on.
11.03.2009
potential resolutions for 2010
like most other people, i don't make resolutions anymore. all they actually resulted in was causing me to become angry with myself when, by the time January 4th rolls around, i've already failed at my "new beginning." but, in the spirit of NaBloPoMo ...
in 2010, i hope to ...
1. laugh more
2. stop holding myself back
3. visit someplace i've never been
4. listen to 15 bands i've never heard of before
5. attend a chi-town shooters game
6. drink more water
7. go to a hawks game in detroit
8. continue blogging
9. take more pictures
10. learn something new about myself
11. be a better friend
12. get my portfolio website up
13. be smarter about who i trust
14. try something new
15. go back to vegas
16. get over him
17. appreciate the simple moments more
18. go on another ghost tour
19. meet brent seabrook and adam burish ... again. this time sans drool.
20. invent a cure for stupidity
...
...
...
... i don't have anything else to say. those extra dots are for jonathan.
in 2010, i hope to ...
1. laugh more
2. stop holding myself back
3. visit someplace i've never been
4. listen to 15 bands i've never heard of before
5. attend a chi-town shooters game
6. drink more water
7. go to a hawks game in detroit
8. continue blogging
9. take more pictures
10. learn something new about myself
11. be a better friend
12. get my portfolio website up
13. be smarter about who i trust
14. try something new
15. go back to vegas
16. get over him
17. appreciate the simple moments more
18. go on another ghost tour
19. meet brent seabrook and adam burish ... again. this time sans drool.
20. invent a cure for stupidity
...
...
...
... i don't have anything else to say. those extra dots are for jonathan.
11.02.2009
unique holiday traditions
i never thought i'd ever describe my family as normal ... but this topic has me stumped. we really don't have many unique traditions, at least not anymore.
when we were younger, the weekend before halloween, everyone would gather at grandpa's house to paint pumpkins. or each other ... whatever was in reach of the small child wielding a paintbrush. i can't even remember the last time we did this. i guess we all grew up. maybe we'll revive this tradition one year, i think isabelle would enjoy it.
let's see ... what else? the family always goes up to Washington Island over the 4th of July. (okay, "always" isn't exactly true since we didn't go this past year. however that was due to some serious medical problems in my family. next year, it's on.) we usually have a cookout on the 4th, either at the house or Schoolhouse Beach. if the Islanders have a game that day, some of us will go check it out and then take in the parade. i'm using the word "parade" rather loosely. it's more a group of maybe 25 young kids walking down main street waving at people. at night we all head out to the ballpark to watch the Island's version of a fireworks display. BOOM. waiting ten minutes to reload. BOOM. waiting ten more minutes. BOOM. BOOM. Ooh. Aah. was that the finale? we love the Island. :)
years ago, the whole family would take a trip the weekend after thanksgiving. we'd go to nearby places, such as Brown County, Frankenmuth or Galena. a little over 10 years ago, this tradition evolved to an annual family trip to Disney World. everyone in my family is a bit obsessed with Disney, it's morphed into a bit of a sickness really. with the kids getting older, it's getting harder to take them out of school, so this trip rarely happens around thanksgiving anymore. however, the trip is not happening this year. :( thank you economy.
so, yea, my family doesn't really have traditions. but we do have alcohol. :)
when we were younger, the weekend before halloween, everyone would gather at grandpa's house to paint pumpkins. or each other ... whatever was in reach of the small child wielding a paintbrush. i can't even remember the last time we did this. i guess we all grew up. maybe we'll revive this tradition one year, i think isabelle would enjoy it.
let's see ... what else? the family always goes up to Washington Island over the 4th of July. (okay, "always" isn't exactly true since we didn't go this past year. however that was due to some serious medical problems in my family. next year, it's on.) we usually have a cookout on the 4th, either at the house or Schoolhouse Beach. if the Islanders have a game that day, some of us will go check it out and then take in the parade. i'm using the word "parade" rather loosely. it's more a group of maybe 25 young kids walking down main street waving at people. at night we all head out to the ballpark to watch the Island's version of a fireworks display. BOOM. waiting ten minutes to reload. BOOM. waiting ten more minutes. BOOM. BOOM. Ooh. Aah. was that the finale? we love the Island. :)
years ago, the whole family would take a trip the weekend after thanksgiving. we'd go to nearby places, such as Brown County, Frankenmuth or Galena. a little over 10 years ago, this tradition evolved to an annual family trip to Disney World. everyone in my family is a bit obsessed with Disney, it's morphed into a bit of a sickness really. with the kids getting older, it's getting harder to take them out of school, so this trip rarely happens around thanksgiving anymore. however, the trip is not happening this year. :( thank you economy.
so, yea, my family doesn't really have traditions. but we do have alcohol. :)
11.01.2009
my irrational fear of ...
this is my first blog post. ever. so, i may be absolutely horrible at this. here goes nothing ...
i have many fears. however, like most people, i don't consider my own fears to be irrational. i'm too busy being terrified. when i see a spider, i don't stand there thinking, "well, it's completely absurd for me to be so scared of the little fella." no. i'm jumping up on the couch and screaming for someone, anyone, to come kill the blasted thing. so, yea, not a fan of arachnids.
i truly believe that all clowns are evil. what exactly are they trying to hide behind all that makeup? i remember getting talked into going to reaper's realm back in high school. my friend and i were determined to find a way out of that line - we knew there would be clowns in there and wanted none of it. in the end, not wanting to look like total wimps, we gave in. after, of course, being told "don't worry, they aren't allowed to touch you." apparently, someone forgot to tell those things they weren't allowed to touch us. and who the hell gave them chainsaws?! like i said ... evil. as for the origin of this fear, i blame the movie "It." yet, i have no fear whatsoever of tim curry. weird.
i am also extremely frightened of needles. the thought alone is enough to make me panic. this could have something to do with my fear of blood as well. for those of you who know me, yes, i am aware that my tattoo was not licked on by kittens - but i didn't actually SEE the needle.
the next one is what i seem to get the most comments on. i won't take the first of anything. whether it's cds or dvds, lids for fountain drinks, straws, books, plates, etc. i always reach back and take from the middle. i'm not really sure why i do this. perhaps it's the thought that, by the time you decide "yes, i want this", there have already been many people that have picked up that exact same thing - "do i want this? no ... no, i don't think i do" and put it back. manhandled merchandise just isn't my thing.
i just might also be afraid of being a horrible blogger. just saying ...
i have many fears. however, like most people, i don't consider my own fears to be irrational. i'm too busy being terrified. when i see a spider, i don't stand there thinking, "well, it's completely absurd for me to be so scared of the little fella." no. i'm jumping up on the couch and screaming for someone, anyone, to come kill the blasted thing. so, yea, not a fan of arachnids.
i truly believe that all clowns are evil. what exactly are they trying to hide behind all that makeup? i remember getting talked into going to reaper's realm back in high school. my friend and i were determined to find a way out of that line - we knew there would be clowns in there and wanted none of it. in the end, not wanting to look like total wimps, we gave in. after, of course, being told "don't worry, they aren't allowed to touch you." apparently, someone forgot to tell those things they weren't allowed to touch us. and who the hell gave them chainsaws?! like i said ... evil. as for the origin of this fear, i blame the movie "It." yet, i have no fear whatsoever of tim curry. weird.
i am also extremely frightened of needles. the thought alone is enough to make me panic. this could have something to do with my fear of blood as well. for those of you who know me, yes, i am aware that my tattoo was not licked on by kittens - but i didn't actually SEE the needle.
the next one is what i seem to get the most comments on. i won't take the first of anything. whether it's cds or dvds, lids for fountain drinks, straws, books, plates, etc. i always reach back and take from the middle. i'm not really sure why i do this. perhaps it's the thought that, by the time you decide "yes, i want this", there have already been many people that have picked up that exact same thing - "do i want this? no ... no, i don't think i do" and put it back. manhandled merchandise just isn't my thing.
i just might also be afraid of being a horrible blogger. just saying ...
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